Stephanie Thieson

68 year old female that had given up on the idea of ever getting back in shape. I was 50 pounds overweight and could not figure out how to get myself motivated to get back on track. I have had multiple surgeries on my knees and hip, shoulders and feet issues. Getting up from a chair was painful and I had to stand for a minute to be able to walk. My balance was awful. I moved to a new apartment complex with a fitness center. I would go over and walk on the treadmill and lift weights. This just didn’t motivate me and I couldn’t seem to stick to a healthy diet. Then a flyer was posted on the door of my fitness center by Donnie Kissick. I’ve used personal trainers in the past but not long term. As an older person, I know how important it is to keep our joints moving but had no idea how to achieve this. My muscles and joints were so stiff and painful. So, with nothing to lose, I gave him a call. I was in a pretty dark place.I called that afternoon and met with him the next day. He was talking about balance, movement and strength. My thought was, ok so when do we lift weights? That was my focus because that was all I knew. Well this young man had a totally different direction for me. My entire physique has changed since working with Donnie, in ways I could only imagine. I was a competition dancer and after many injections in both knees, hips, shoulders and feet, I had to stop dancing. This was my passion and I had to give it up. My knees kept me from participating in family outings and simple things like getting down on the floor to play with my granddaughter. I was an old grandma. After a few sessions, Donnie had me on the floor with help of the weight bench. A few more sessions and I was able to get down on the floor with no help AND get back up!

After a year of working with Donnie, I have lost over 60 lbs and lots of inches but have also gained so much mobility and balance. I’m bending and moving in ways I would never had thought possible. I can now get up from a sitting position and not have to wait a few minutes to stretch my knees and hip to be able to walk. For the first time in over five years, I went trick or treating with my family, and was able to keep up. I can put my socks and shoes on with no pain. I now go up and down stairs without taking one step at a time and holding on to the hand rail. I went dancing and was able to move on the dance floor with no pain in my knees or hips. I had my car towed the other day. In a previous incident, I had to have help getting into the tow truck, which was embarrassing. The other day I needed no assistance and climbed right into the truck.

Donnie told me when we first started this journey that it would be the little things that I would notice and he was absolutely correct. Before working with Donnie, I was depressed and had given up. I would make excuses why I could not go out with friends. I was uncomfortable in my own skin. Without his knowledge and guidance, I would not be where I am today. He is patient and supportive. I never feel like he is rushing to get done with my workout. If I have a question, I can text him anytime and he will respond quickly.

I am losing weight, gaining flexibility and strength while working out in a totally different way than I am used to. One of my goals is to be able to do an actual pull up. That definitely will come. I am even back on the dance floor. I look forward to each workout because it is different than the last one. The future is so exciting because I am getting stronger, more confident and feeling fabulous!

Truly, I have no words to express how grateful I am to have met and to be working with Donnie Kissick. He has changed my life!